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A smiling Black woman holds a chair and a smiling Black man stand behind her holding a plant in their new home A smiling Black woman holds a chair and a smiling Black man stand behind her holding a plant in their new home

Homebuyers

Empowering Homebuyers: Success Stories from Our Team

Owning a home is a foundational aspect of the American Dream. But for many in underrepresented communities, systemic barriers make this dream far less attainable. While homeownership rates have risen overall, diverse communities continue to trail behind. This highlights a persistent gap that reflects a deeper systemic issue. This discrepancy isn't just about housing—it's about access to the means of wealth accumulation and economic stability that homeownership provides.

Here's the success story of Ericka and Pat. Before working with New American Funding (NAF), they weren't able to get approved for a loan. But NAF helped make it possible to get approved and buy their home. NAF's initiatives are making a tangible difference in closing the homeownership gap.

Homebuyers' Journey

Erika and Pat in front of their new house

Ericka and Pat's homeownership journey started like what many other diverse homebuyers experience. They struggled with financial obstacles and complex loan approval processes. The turning point came when they met Monique Sanchez. Monique is a Latina and a Loan Officer at NAF. Using her deep understanding of the systemic barriers and the cultural nuances affecting these prospective homebuyers, she guided them through the intricate process. "Ericka and Pat first came to me after trying to get preapproved for over a year," Monique shared, highlighting the perseverance some diverse homebuyers need to navigate these challenges.

Highlighting the Role of Financial Programs

Monique's approach exemplifies the programs NAF champions to empower diverse homebuyers. Using Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans and FHA streamline refinancing, she helped Ericka and Pat secure their home and manage their finances more effectively post-purchase. Monique notes, "Doing an FHA streamline the first year after buying your home is crucial... it helped cover any shortage in Ericka's current escrow account while dropping her overall monthly payment." This practical application of the programs NAF employs showcases their effectiveness in real-world scenarios.

Broader Impact

The success of Ericka and Pat is not an isolated event but a reflection of broader community empowerment. Targeted and customized approaches like Monique's can significantly impact diverse homeownership rates, contributing to community stability and economic growth. This story serves as a compelling illustration of how NAF's strategic approaches are crafting sustainable changes in the housing market.

The case of Ericka and Pat exemplifies the broader systemic changes needed. NAF's approach showcases how personalized lending solutions significantly impact diverse homeownership rates, demonstrating the potential for broader community uplift and economic growth. Through these success stories, NAF has developed tailored interventions that address immediate financial barriers and promote long-term community wealth. These strategies include enhancing loan accessibility and providing bilingual resources designed to empower potential homeowners at various stages of their journey.

On the Homebuyers' Experience

living room sofa

Reflecting on the broader impact of her work, Monique says, "They have been able to build generational wealth through equity in their home... And another great thing is that NAF still services their loan." Her insight underlines the long-term relationships and continuous support that are central to NAF's mission of helping diverse communities build wealth through homeownership.

Monique noted the profound impact of homeownership on Ericka and Pat's life, emphasizing the stability and community connection they now enjoy. Their most cherished outcome is seeing their daughters grow up in a community where they feel rooted and secure. Ericka said that she's "So excited to create new memories with my beautiful family." Monique's emotional investment in their future fueled her ability to create solutions for Ericka and Pat, helping make their American dream come true. Her work is symbolic of what NAF aims to do with every homebuyer.

Looking Ahead: New American Funding's Commitment to Change

NAF is committed to expanding its impact through innovative loan products and programs specifically tailored for diverse communities. NAF plans to increase outreach to potential homeowners in historically underrepresented areas. NAF will also introduce more flexible loan criteria to accommodate diverse financial backgrounds. And NAF will enhance our partnerships with community leaders to build trust and engagement. These initiatives aim to address immediate needs and pave the way for sustainable and equitable growth across communities.

Partner With NAF on Your Homeownership Journey

Ericka and Pat's journey to homeownership may not have been possible without a partnership with someone like Monique who understood their unique situation. Their experience underscores the critical need for programs and policies that address the unique challenges faced by diverse communities. To know more about how NAF aims to create meaningful change for diverse homebuyers, click here. To start your homebuying journey, contact NAF today.

Monique Sanchez profile

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Author

Staff Writer, New American Funding

Ashley is a staff writer at New American Funding. She brings two decades of experience to her role at NAF, having written scripts for Emmy Award-winning television shows, a best-selling book published by Workman, entertainment articles and personal essays for major national magazines, and TV commercial campaigns for well-known home brands.